Dreaming of Summer on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy by Artkitech

This morning I awoke to pleasant news from Artkitech saying I was included in her treasury. Flattered and very taken with her color palette, I decided to post her picks in this showcase of warm, sun-kissed creations that most definitely evoke the summer feeling of Artkitech's theme. She wrote this: "Al fresco dining, a glass of chilled prosecco, summer breezes drifting through wheat fields, refreshing scents of herbs and blossoms -- fleeting dreamy images in eager anticipation of summertime for those of us who dwell in the northerly hemisphere." 'Nuff said - she tells the story with this beautifully curated showcase of unique Etsy creations. Click on the pictures to go directly to these listing. Prices range from $4.50 to $495.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: TwoSecrets, Piacere, fullmoonmilk, yorktownroad, trendyknitting, ottobone, iheartfink, sammi84, moderneradesign, yystudio, charmdesign

The Handmade Pledge: Ethics & a Buyer's Viewpoint

Handpicked on Etsy by Plumberry

Indie versus mass produced: The issue has been much debated on the Etsy forums, and I'm among the many who would love to see the Etsy administration re-affirm its core value by either banning mass-market goods that are unaltered by the artisan, or by creating a separate category for factory-made, just as they've done for vintage. What inspired me today was a convo from a buyer who's been a fan of my shops, and who got so frustrated when she was shopping on Etsy the other day that she stopped searching and created a treasury to show her support of true indie design, showcasing the items featured here today. Then, she went to the forums and posted about what it means to a buyer to be able to trust in Etsy's "handmade pledge." Here's that thread: Buyer Beef

Debates aside, I was very flattered to be included in Plumberry's treasury, among these other talented Etsy sellers. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $10.00 to $500.00

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: jingjingdesign, Ellita, TwoSecrets, pompompurses, triciahoke, arianemariane, fuzzystuff, babinka1981, ModernEraDesign, daintythings, blackberrypatch, KatsaraYarns

Quest for Success on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Newcomers to Etsy are showcased today, artists whose talent has yet to be fully recognized and rewarded. Despite obvious skill and quality workmanship, these sellers have made very few or, in some cases, zero sales. When seaching through Pounce for extraordinary work, it can be challenging not to give up after the 5th or 6th page of search results, but a little extra patience today led me to these diverse finds. This blog was born last year of my desire to raise the bar on Etsy, so I hope this mention will bring these largely undiscovered sellers some encouragement and, better yet, a few more visitors and buzz to their Etsy stores. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listing. Prices $40.50 to $245.00.
From left to right, today's featured artisans include: mintonsparks, mikandnora, LillyLan, vbdesigns, TwoSecrets, fix8ion

Inspired Pants: Indie Design on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Volume is something my eye is craving now that skinny leggings are everywhere. Today I sought pants by indie Etsy designers that feature fabric other than black lycra, and a shape other than pencil-thin. A little ease and a little flow, please! And how about pants that fit! Why spend good money for ill-fitting pants that look and feel awkward, when it is so easy and no more expensive to order custom made from an indie designer? Given the time and frustration involved in shopping RTW (ready-to-wear) and the lack of individuality in the mass market, I see no reason to spend my time in a crowded mall pawing through racks of overpriced or quality-compromised fashion. Browsing Etsy's search pages, I found graceful palazzo pants and some fun & original party pants. Sit down, come as you are, grab your coffee or tea and come on a shopping spree with me on Etsy! Click on the photos to go directly to these listings. Prices range from $60.00 to $128.00

From top left to bottom right, today's featured designers include: yystudio, martinlopez, ModernEraDesign, DancingTreeCreations, littlmisscrow, whoknowswear, Mishoga, idolatre

Resolutions: Yoga on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Namaste! Resolutions at this time of year often include getting into better physical shape. For me, that means yoga, which addresses body, mind and spirit. Today's selections of unique creations found on Etsy reflect all three of these elements. The wearables that caught my eye can go beyond the studio and out in public, which is essential to me since I sometimes run errands after doing yoga. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $13.00 to $68.00. From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: be2beImage, Kayayogawear, corinnaluyken, DeGala, ModernEraDesign, earthsoul, keytome, NomadicRoots

Cardigan Style: No fuss wraps on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

When I dash out the door, I want a jacket or vest that looks good without any fuss -- something I can throw on, quickly button or just let it hang. I kept that criterion in mind this morning in my Etsy search for autumn wraps to layer over daily clothes and kick up the look enough to run errands, meet friends for lunch or run out to dinner. Today's showcase features a variety of handmade styles that are trendy yet classic and collectible, comfy and so easy to wear. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $48.00 to $200.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: fashionknitewear, ovejanegra, Jjanak, ModernEraDesign, mireilles, LunaPortenia, LoveandKnit, SHOPGMARIE